Beverage Wholesaler Summer 2026 | Page 19

RISING STAR

READY-TO-DRINK RISING STAR BRANDS( 000 9-Liter cases)

Jack Daniel ' s Ready to Drinks Brown-Forman Corporation 773 841 8.8 % Finnish Long Drink The Long Drink Co 2,690 3,255 21.0 % Dillon ' s Vodka / Gin Cocktails Mark Anthony Group 34 73 114.7 % Nutrl Nutrl( ABI) 2,750 3,218 17.0 % Carbliss SNFood & Beverage LLC 2,750 4,340 57.8 % Surfside Iced Tea & Vodka Stateside Vodka Distillery 4,655 10,451 124.5 % On the Rocks Suntory Global Spirits 793 961 21.2 %-196 Suntory Global Spirits 161 512 218.0 % Atomic Boss Trinchero Family Estates-- 63 ++%

READY-TO-DRINK FAST TRACK BRANDS( 000 9-Liter cases)

Monaco Cocktails Atomic Brands 3,152 3,330 5.6 % El Jimador New Mix Brown-Forman Corporation-- 126 ++% Cutwater Cutwater Spirits( ABI) 3,900 5,555 42.4 %

Source: The Beverage Information Group ' s 2026 Industry Overview Handbook( p) Preliminary.(++%) Greater than 100 %.

pas, co-founder / CEO of Stateside Brands, which produces the Surfside RTD. A package innovation for the brand was launching 19.2−oz. cans across the top-selling Surfside flavors.“ This SKU size is the perfect fit for C-store and venue business and provides an attractive price point for consumers,” he says.

Suntory Global Spirits brand −196 vodka seltzer( pronounced“ minus one-ninesix”) increased a whopping 218 % in its first year bringing the beverage to the U. S. market from Japan. The RTD, which became available nationwide last spring, uses a proprietary Freeze, Crush, Infuse( FCI) method, in which whole fruits are flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen at exactly −196 ° C, crushed, and then blended into premium vodka. It launched a Zero Sugar Lemon expression this past August.

FLAVOR SAVOR

Flavor is the top factor influencing RTD purchases, according to research firm Mintel’ s report on RTD Alcoholic Beverages-US 2025, and ranks high in consumer interest for innovation.

“ Unlike beer and wine, which have limited flexibility, RTDs, often made with neutral spirits / bases which offer greater versatility to fully explore bold and unique flavor profiles," the report says.“ These beverages don’ t need to mimic traditional cocktails, giving brands the freedom to experiment and innovate with new and exciting flavors.”

This past April, −196 Vodka Seltzer launched a Combo Crush Variety Pack for summer. The pack features four new flavors with a unique layered twist: Yuzu & Lemon, Grapefruit & Cherry, Strawberry & Kiwi, and Peach & Mango.

NÜTRL in March announced the launch of its newest flavors: Blueberry and Peach. Surfside’ s innovation pipeline projects in 2025 have led to new flavors releases in 2026, including a Blueberry Lemonade 4−pack and Half & Half Variety 8−pack, Pappas says. Stateside Brands also launched Super Lyte last month – a new RTD brand in the“ hard ade” cat-

On The Rocks in April expanded its Margarita portfolio with a limited-edition Passion fruit Margarita.

egory.“ Super Lyte is inspired by classic sports drink flavors at 4.5 % ABV, only 90 calories, zero sugar and zero bubbles,” says Pappas.“ The launch of Super Lyte is a major step for us as we build on the trust and success we have achieved with Surfside across our partners, retailers, bars, restaurants and fan base to become a bonafide U. S. alcohol beverage supplier.”

On The Rocks in May 2025 introduced On The Rocks Sparkling Cans, carbonated cocktails available in Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule. The brand in February expanded its permanent lineup with a new Whiskey Sour, made with Jim Beam bourbon and created by On The Rocks Global Brand Ambassador and expert mixologist Joaquín Simó.

And in April it expanded its Margarita portfolio with a limited-edition Passion fruit Margarita and a permanent Sparkling Watermelon Margarita.

FAST TRACK

GOOD SPORTS

Sporting events and RTDs go together, as these canned beverages have replaced beer for many spectators. For instance, Jack Daniel ' s is“ looking to take a significant stance this fall with a 360 ° activation centered around football,” Rives says.

The Jack Daniel ' s & Coca-Cola Zero Sugar RTD cocktail launched in 2023. www. beveragewholesaler. com Summer 2026 • Bevearge Wholesaler 19